You Are Not Alone

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. -Romans 12:15

This week has been a humbling lesson in how badly I need others.  I am fiercely independent, to the point of stubbornness.  However, recently God has been pressing on me my need for fellowship.

I am not a "sharer." If something is bothering me, I tend to bottle it up and hide the bottle far, far away. Not only is this unhealthy, but it is also counterproductive. You see, feelings come to the surface in the end, one way or another. Either, you can express them at the time you are feeling them (which is what an emotionally mature person does) or you can hide them away and hope they vanish (which is what I do). If you do the latter, you are only temporarily extinguishing your emotions. They eventually resurface, and usually in an unhealthy way- such as anger.

However, recently God has put people in my life that not only allow me to share with them, but that encourage me to.  As I have grown with Christ, I am slowly becoming more and more aware of my complete and utter helplessness without Him. This is not something to be ashamed of; it is something to be rejoiced.  It is not until we admit and accept our helplessness that we are able to fully give ourselves to God.

Christ wants us to be dependent on Him. Christ also wants us to be dependent upon one another as followers in Christ.  He has created us as beings who yearn for companionship- even Jesus had disciples. 

So, instead of pretending like we can handle our wearisome burdens, it is right and pleasing in God's eyes if we throw up our hands and say "God, I need you to handle this! I need others to comfort me! I can't do this!" I think once we do this, God smiles and says, "Don't worry, my child, you are not alone."